Kukla's Korner Hockey

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has signed forward John Mitchell to a three-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season.

Mitchell, 29, has appeared in 65 of Colorado’s 66 games this season, tallying 23 points (7g/16a) with a +8 plus/minus rating. Mitchell’s 16 assists are just one short of his career high (17) set with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The Oakville, Ontario native played in his 300th NHL game on Dec. 14 vs. Minnesota and recorded his 100th NHL point on Nov. 30 vs. Minnesota.

“John is a proven NHL player who has been a very good addition to our team the past two seasons,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic. “He can play in different situations and we feel his presence and his versatility will continue to strongly benefit our team moving forward.”